This years Tailspin Ale Fest in Louisville promises to be better than ever on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. Eight Indiana breweries (the venue is just 8 miles from the Indiana state line) are serving including Tin Man and Carson's of Evansville, Flat 12 of Indy and Jeffersonville, New Albanian of New Albany, 450 North of Columbus, Upland of Bloomington, Central State of Indy, and 3 Floyds of Munster. Kentucky brewers will come from far and wide including new breweries!
The airplane hanger at Bowman Field provides a great historic setting for brewers from sixteen states! Against the Grain Brewery of Louisville was part of the Brewdogs television series and distributes in several states as well as several countries! ATG will have a barrel aged wheat wine and a rye imperial stout along with others. Sponsor West Sixth Brewing of Lexington will serve several beers including a coconut porter and a tripel. Country Boy of Lexington will offer a Red Ale aged in sherry bbls with blackberries along with other beers. Goodwood of Louisville features a coffee stout on oak. Yet another brewery in a church has opened in Louisville, and 3rd Turn Brewing will offer a porter and a cucumber saison. Rhinegeist Brewery of Cincinnati, with former Indy brewer Jim Matt, will share a bbl aged imperial stout and a Belgian style dark ale. Louisville's Apocalypse Brewing, with strong ties to Indiana, presents a Pro-Am collaboration with LAGERS local New Albany home brew club. Dry Ground Brewing of Paducah, KY is so named because their building, an old Coca-Cola bottling plant was flooded by the Ohio River in 1937. They too will bring a bbl aged imperial stout, a Belgian style rye PA, and a tripel.
With over 200 beers offered from nearly 50 breweries to sample between 3-7PM this Saturday and a chance to help the Dare to Care Food Pantry the event will build on the three successful past years offering up Honky Tonk music plus several food trucks and promised sixty-degree weather this year! For tix, directions and more CLICK HERE Everybody get's a free empty growler from Liquor Barn.
Showing posts with label 3 Floyds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3 Floyds. Show all posts
5 Indiana Beers for Warm Weather Drinking
Last week was the first official week of spring. With the warmer weather on the horizon, many beer drinkers’ preferences will shift with the change in seasons.
Here are some fantastic Indiana beers to compliment the warmer weather. Since Indiana has so many tasty beers to choose from, I had to narrow down the contenders. I limited my choices to beers available in bottles or cans, beers with low ABV, and beers packed full of flavor. It’s by no means an exhaustive list but hopefully a starting point for the next time you are at your local beer purveyor.
Champagne Velvet, Upland Brewing Co.
CV- Upland’s take on a classic American Pilsner- provides the smooth, clean and crisp flavors you’d expect from a light lager. This beer finishes nice and dry and keeps you coming back for more- a great choice for those dog days of summer.
As a bonus CV is also available in 16oz cans if prefer a travel friendly format.
Ruby Bloom, Bloomington Brewing Co.
One of the more of the malt forward, sweeter options on this list, Ruby Bloom is an amber ale ideal for anyone who is a little hop-shy. Caramel malts help give this beer its signature color, as well as smooth drinkability.
Indians Lager, Sun King Brewing
Sun King’s seasonal offering is well suited for the ballpark- as the name suggests. The clean and crisp characteristics you’d expect from a lager but with a touch of sweetness in the finish. A really versatile food-pairing beer, Indians Lager will go well with a variety of summer food- and my favorite in particular-grilled meats.
Yum Yum, 3 Floyds Brewing Co.
3 Floyds has built a solid portfolio of hoppy, higher alcohol Double IPAs— and Yum Yum stays within that hoppy wheelhouse. It possesses those quintessential citrusy characteristics found in many American IPAs but in a low-alcohol package. This beer allows you to get your hop fix whilst being able to enjoying multiple in the same sitting.
Damascene, Tin Man Brewing Co.
The realm of sour ales is often perceived as the domain of beer nerds and collectors. Damascene is approachable, refreshing and most importantly- delicious. The apricot fruitiness provides a nice balance to the sour tart character that defines this style. This is a great gateway beer into the world of sour ales.
There are so many great Indiana beers available for spring and summer drinking. I’d love to hear what your go-to-beers are. Share what you like to drink and where to find it in the comments below.
Spring also signals time for the Bloomington Craft Beer Fest! A chance to try beers like these and many more in an open but covered venue just off Highway 37 and perfect for Spring weather! Tickets are go fast but details can be found here
By Ross Hughes;
Ross Hughes is a home brewer, a Cicerone certified beer server, aspiring Certified Cicerone and all-around beer nerd. An English expat based in Bloomington, IN, his passion for American craft beer started after his desire to find a local pub took him to Upland Brewpub and Bloomington Brewing Co. Whether he’s drinking cask ales reminiscent of his native country, or trying the latest experimental hopped IPA, Ross enjoys a variety of beer styles and is always looking to train his palette with another tasty ale.
Here are some fantastic Indiana beers to compliment the warmer weather. Since Indiana has so many tasty beers to choose from, I had to narrow down the contenders. I limited my choices to beers available in bottles or cans, beers with low ABV, and beers packed full of flavor. It’s by no means an exhaustive list but hopefully a starting point for the next time you are at your local beer purveyor.
Champagne Velvet, Upland Brewing Co.
CV- Upland’s take on a classic American Pilsner- provides the smooth, clean and crisp flavors you’d expect from a light lager. This beer finishes nice and dry and keeps you coming back for more- a great choice for those dog days of summer.
As a bonus CV is also available in 16oz cans if prefer a travel friendly format.
Ruby Bloom, Bloomington Brewing Co.
One of the more of the malt forward, sweeter options on this list, Ruby Bloom is an amber ale ideal for anyone who is a little hop-shy. Caramel malts help give this beer its signature color, as well as smooth drinkability.
Indians Lager, Sun King Brewing
Sun King’s seasonal offering is well suited for the ballpark- as the name suggests. The clean and crisp characteristics you’d expect from a lager but with a touch of sweetness in the finish. A really versatile food-pairing beer, Indians Lager will go well with a variety of summer food- and my favorite in particular-grilled meats.
Yum Yum, 3 Floyds Brewing Co.
3 Floyds has built a solid portfolio of hoppy, higher alcohol Double IPAs— and Yum Yum stays within that hoppy wheelhouse. It possesses those quintessential citrusy characteristics found in many American IPAs but in a low-alcohol package. This beer allows you to get your hop fix whilst being able to enjoying multiple in the same sitting.
Damascene, Tin Man Brewing Co.
The realm of sour ales is often perceived as the domain of beer nerds and collectors. Damascene is approachable, refreshing and most importantly- delicious. The apricot fruitiness provides a nice balance to the sour tart character that defines this style. This is a great gateway beer into the world of sour ales.
There are so many great Indiana beers available for spring and summer drinking. I’d love to hear what your go-to-beers are. Share what you like to drink and where to find it in the comments below.
Spring also signals time for the Bloomington Craft Beer Fest! A chance to try beers like these and many more in an open but covered venue just off Highway 37 and perfect for Spring weather! Tickets are go fast but details can be found here
By Ross Hughes;
Ross Hughes is a home brewer, a Cicerone certified beer server, aspiring Certified Cicerone and all-around beer nerd. An English expat based in Bloomington, IN, his passion for American craft beer started after his desire to find a local pub took him to Upland Brewpub and Bloomington Brewing Co. Whether he’s drinking cask ales reminiscent of his native country, or trying the latest experimental hopped IPA, Ross enjoys a variety of beer styles and is always looking to train his palette with another tasty ale.
Beer at Farmers' Markets; Daredevil to Speedway; & more Indiana Beer News for March 3!
Hoosiers might be able to buy cold, local beer at Indiana Farmer's markets after July, although this beer may need local support. Senate Bill 0016 allows an Indiana micro-brewer to sell the brewer's beer to consumers for carryout at a farmers' market that is operated on a nonprofit basis, in a quantity of not more than 576 ounces per consumer at any one time (according to Ind. Gen'l Assembly, in.gov).
Clay Robinson of SunKing Brewery is President of the Brewers Guild of Indiana and told IndianaBeer, "The farmers market initiative is about parody with Indiana's wineries, but it is also about allowing Indiana's small brewers greater access to consumers. The majority of our members are fairly small and don't even package their beer except in growlers. Allowing them to showcase their businesses and vend their products alongside other Indiana growers and producers will offer them increased exposure to a segment of the population that has demonstrated their desire to support local, buy fresh and in most cases pay a premium to do so."
The Executive Director of BIG, Lee Smith, says many Hoosier, "May not know there is local beer where they live…." This would be a great way for Hoosiers to support other Hoosiers. Smith added, "a lot of tiny brewers, have fewer employees, some have only 2 employees and this is a way for small breweries to market their product locally.” Clay Robinson added, " ...all of the profits from the production, distribution and sale of that beer benefits our economy. In the case of Indiana Brewers, the profits, taxes and economic development implications are HUGE. Every time someone purchases a locally produced Craft Beer, they are helping to create jobs and investment in their community and economy. Craft Brewers have a tradition of giving back and participating with community and charitable organizations in order to benefit their communities and help make them better places to live and work."
The BIG sees exposure at Farmer's Markets a natural extension of local product sales. Jeff Mease, BIG board member and owner of Bloomington Brewing recently commented to us on SB 0016, "I don't see anything to be against...it is a local agricultural product." Beer is made from grain, water, and hops. The only concern voiced at an Indiana Senate hearing was from a major liquor store chain opposing the sale of chilled beer outside of liquor stores. Chilled beer is currently also available at brewery tap rooms, although some local breweries do not operate retail establishments. That retailer did not return our phone calls. Indiana legislators are open to comment from their public.
Daredevil Brewing to build a Brewery Complex in Speedway, IN! “A craft brewery on Main Street provides a new type of destination location that complements and adds to the growing diversity of local businesses and restaurants in Speedway,” said Vince Noblet, President of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission. “We are excited to welcome Daredevil Brewing Co. to Main Street and our Speedway community.”
Daredevil Brewing Co. is currently located in Shelbyville, IN. The Main Street, Speedway, location is an expansion of their growing craft beer business and will be Daredevil Brewing Co.’s first public taproom. Initial development will also include a 10,000-square-foot production brewery with additional expansion possible in the future.
Indiana City Beer released a new specialty 750 ml bottling of Mimi’s Tabernacle Bourbon Barrel Breakfast Stout with pure maple syrup, chocolate and oats infused with locally roasted coffee beans and aged in a Kentucky bourbon barrel. Available this week. They also offer Crimson Bombshell bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Amber Ale and Cratchit's Ale Winter Olde Ale both in 750ml. Indiana City is at 24 Shelby Street, Indy, just East of Downtown.
Bloomington Craft Beer Fest is Saturday, April 12, at 2200 Tapp Road 4-7PM for $35 with early bird available one hour earlier. This year you can be shuttled to the event from your room at the Fourwinds Resort with special rates of $89. Details HERE ; Bloomington Craft Beer Week will kick off the week before and we will keep you appraised of local events!
Flat12 Bierwerks celebrates Flat Tuesday with Doors open at 4pm on March 4th. There will be crawfish races, King Cake, Beads, Beads and more Beads. Plus, four wacky beer concoctions that are crawling with flavor. Beer List Here
Thursday, March 13th is the Naptown Brown Tapping Party at Sun King from 7pm to 10pm. The Naptown Roller Girls will be onsite as well as A Squared Djs, food truck, and pints will be available for $5 each.
Bloomington Brewing releases "Bomber" bottles of Rooftop IPA, the well balanced First Place winning slightly orange in color hop-forward beer with Cascade and Falconer’s flight hops in early April! Also, their Ten Speed Hoppy Wheat release this year is Bicycle Day, April 19.
Remember the Upland third annual Sour + Wild + Funk Fest will be on sale at on Eventbrite on March 10. The event is Saturday, May 17th from 2pm-6pm at the historic Indianapolis City Market, preceded by a VIP Sour lecture and private tasting from 12:30-1:30pm. VIP tickets can be purchased for $75, and will include VIP lecture, lanyard, commemorative T-shirt, swag bag and access to the VIP lounge including food and private bathrooms. General Admission tickets are $45 and include light snacks, with the City Market's artisans open to sell heavier fare throughout the festival. An Upland Secret Barrel Society members-only party will follow from 7pm-9pm.
Dark Lord Day has been announced by 3Floyds as April 26. Check their website for release details
Clay Robinson of SunKing Brewery is President of the Brewers Guild of Indiana and told IndianaBeer, "The farmers market initiative is about parody with Indiana's wineries, but it is also about allowing Indiana's small brewers greater access to consumers. The majority of our members are fairly small and don't even package their beer except in growlers. Allowing them to showcase their businesses and vend their products alongside other Indiana growers and producers will offer them increased exposure to a segment of the population that has demonstrated their desire to support local, buy fresh and in most cases pay a premium to do so."
The Executive Director of BIG, Lee Smith, says many Hoosier, "May not know there is local beer where they live…." This would be a great way for Hoosiers to support other Hoosiers. Smith added, "a lot of tiny brewers, have fewer employees, some have only 2 employees and this is a way for small breweries to market their product locally.” Clay Robinson added, " ...all of the profits from the production, distribution and sale of that beer benefits our economy. In the case of Indiana Brewers, the profits, taxes and economic development implications are HUGE. Every time someone purchases a locally produced Craft Beer, they are helping to create jobs and investment in their community and economy. Craft Brewers have a tradition of giving back and participating with community and charitable organizations in order to benefit their communities and help make them better places to live and work."
The BIG sees exposure at Farmer's Markets a natural extension of local product sales. Jeff Mease, BIG board member and owner of Bloomington Brewing recently commented to us on SB 0016, "I don't see anything to be against...it is a local agricultural product." Beer is made from grain, water, and hops. The only concern voiced at an Indiana Senate hearing was from a major liquor store chain opposing the sale of chilled beer outside of liquor stores. Chilled beer is currently also available at brewery tap rooms, although some local breweries do not operate retail establishments. That retailer did not return our phone calls. Indiana legislators are open to comment from their public.
Daredevil Brewing to build a Brewery Complex in Speedway, IN! “A craft brewery on Main Street provides a new type of destination location that complements and adds to the growing diversity of local businesses and restaurants in Speedway,” said Vince Noblet, President of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission. “We are excited to welcome Daredevil Brewing Co. to Main Street and our Speedway community.”
Daredevil Brewing Co. is currently located in Shelbyville, IN. The Main Street, Speedway, location is an expansion of their growing craft beer business and will be Daredevil Brewing Co.’s first public taproom. Initial development will also include a 10,000-square-foot production brewery with additional expansion possible in the future.
Indiana City Beer released a new specialty 750 ml bottling of Mimi’s Tabernacle Bourbon Barrel Breakfast Stout with pure maple syrup, chocolate and oats infused with locally roasted coffee beans and aged in a Kentucky bourbon barrel. Available this week. They also offer Crimson Bombshell bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Amber Ale and Cratchit's Ale Winter Olde Ale both in 750ml. Indiana City is at 24 Shelby Street, Indy, just East of Downtown.
Bloomington Craft Beer Fest is Saturday, April 12, at 2200 Tapp Road 4-7PM for $35 with early bird available one hour earlier. This year you can be shuttled to the event from your room at the Fourwinds Resort with special rates of $89. Details HERE ; Bloomington Craft Beer Week will kick off the week before and we will keep you appraised of local events!
Flat12 Bierwerks celebrates Flat Tuesday with Doors open at 4pm on March 4th. There will be crawfish races, King Cake, Beads, Beads and more Beads. Plus, four wacky beer concoctions that are crawling with flavor. Beer List Here
Thursday, March 13th is the Naptown Brown Tapping Party at Sun King from 7pm to 10pm. The Naptown Roller Girls will be onsite as well as A Squared Djs, food truck, and pints will be available for $5 each.
Bloomington Brewing releases "Bomber" bottles of Rooftop IPA, the well balanced First Place winning slightly orange in color hop-forward beer with Cascade and Falconer’s flight hops in early April! Also, their Ten Speed Hoppy Wheat release this year is Bicycle Day, April 19.
Remember the Upland third annual Sour + Wild + Funk Fest will be on sale at on Eventbrite on March 10. The event is Saturday, May 17th from 2pm-6pm at the historic Indianapolis City Market, preceded by a VIP Sour lecture and private tasting from 12:30-1:30pm. VIP tickets can be purchased for $75, and will include VIP lecture, lanyard, commemorative T-shirt, swag bag and access to the VIP lounge including food and private bathrooms. General Admission tickets are $45 and include light snacks, with the City Market's artisans open to sell heavier fare throughout the festival. An Upland Secret Barrel Society members-only party will follow from 7pm-9pm.
Dark Lord Day has been announced by 3Floyds as April 26. Check their website for release details
12 Beers of Christmas
We all know the song, "on the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me".... well, in my version my true love gave me beer, on every one of the each day before Christmas. Thus came my idea of hosting the 12 Beers of Christmas tasting.
I hit some local liquor stores (Parti Pak in Southport and Payless Liquors in Fishers), pulled some friends together and decided we'd all play commentary and rate the beers.
Bell's Brewery - Christmas Ale
Goose Island Brewery - Christmas Ale 2012
Fat Heads Brewery - Holly Jolly Christmas Ale
Three Floyds Brewing - Alpha Klaus Christmas Porter
Breckenridge Brewery - Christmas Ale
Schlafly - Christmas Ale
Lakefront Brewery - Holiday Spice Lager Beer
Anchor Brewing - Merry Christmas Happy New Year
Southern Tier Brewing - 2xMas
Thirsy Dog Brewing - 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale
Bison Brewing - Organic Gingerbread Ale
Triton Brewing - Gingerbread Brown
This was my first time getting a group togther for a more organized beer tasting. All of us like beer, some more than others, we all are just regular people, with no beer judging experience. We had a sheet of all the beers, and the descriptions from the breweries along with places for commentary and ranking.
Once everything was in place, it was time to drink some beer!
We started out with my favorite Christmas ale which is from Schlafly. I purposefully bought a six pack so everyone could have plenty of this beer. I personally think Schlafly makes the best two seasonals with Pumpkin Ale and Christmas Ale, so in this Christmas beer taste testing I'll admit I was bias and thought Schlafly would win all the way. It actually wasn't the case. Between the four of us Schlafly actually tied for second with 3.8/5 Stars in our rating. An overall thought was lightly spiced and a little sweet.
After the Schlafly we went down the list of beer after beer.
The bottom five out of the twelve were actually from some of the bigger breweries:
Bell's Brewery - Christmas Ale - 2.9/5
Goose Island Brewery - Christmas Ale 2012 - 2.8/5
The five of us taste testing didn't have anything bad to say about these, they were light, pleasant. The Alpha Klaus was a little hoppy and it was actually the last beer in our ranking due to the bitterness. Some of the commentary was that it was "overpowering" and that the aroma is very strong. Alpha Klaus is the "cousin" of Alpha King.
Since those were the lesser of the 12, the top 7 where:
This was my first time getting a group togther for a more organized beer tasting. All of us like beer, some more than others, we all are just regular people, with no beer judging experience. We had a sheet of all the beers, and the descriptions from the breweries along with places for commentary and ranking.
Once everything was in place, it was time to drink some beer!
We started out with my favorite Christmas ale which is from Schlafly. I purposefully bought a six pack so everyone could have plenty of this beer. I personally think Schlafly makes the best two seasonals with Pumpkin Ale and Christmas Ale, so in this Christmas beer taste testing I'll admit I was bias and thought Schlafly would win all the way. It actually wasn't the case. Between the four of us Schlafly actually tied for second with 3.8/5 Stars in our rating. An overall thought was lightly spiced and a little sweet.
After the Schlafly we went down the list of beer after beer.
The bottom five out of the twelve were actually from some of the bigger breweries:
Pamela writing some commentary |
Bell's Brewery - Christmas Ale - 2.9/5
Goose Island Brewery - Christmas Ale 2012 - 2.8/5
Three Floyds Brewing - Alpha Klaus Christmas Porter - 1.8/5
The five of us taste testing didn't have anything bad to say about these, they were light, pleasant. The Alpha Klaus was a little hoppy and it was actually the last beer in our ranking due to the bitterness. Some of the commentary was that it was "overpowering" and that the aroma is very strong. Alpha Klaus is the "cousin" of Alpha King.
Since those were the lesser of the 12, the top 7 where:
Lakefront Brewery - Holiday Spice Lager Beer - 4.4/5
Schlafly - Christmas Ale - 3.8/5
Triton Brewing - Gingerbread Brown - 3.8/5
Schlafly - Christmas Ale - 3.8/5
Triton Brewing - Gingerbread Brown - 3.8/5
Bison Brewing - Organic Gingerbread Ale -3.5/5
Anchor Brewing - Merry Christmas Happy New Year - 3.3/5
The Southern Tier one was interesting due to the addition of fig in the brew, that along with the culimination of spices is what made it one our tied for 2nd place beers. Another eye raising beer was the Anchor Brewing Merry Christmas Happy New Year because it had a pine scent yet most of the tasters said it tasted line raisins or and also a very heavy molasses flavor that weighed on the tongue. But what got me was the Lakefront Brewery beat my #1 favorite!
Lakefront seems to have a penchant for making lager instead of ales. This past fall I had one of their Pumpkin Lager beers. It was too light for me in the spice, but their Holiday Spice beer really made up for it. It was complex with the ginger, nutmeg cinnamon spices but had a nice addition with a twinge of citrus.
The nose complimented the flavor as well and the beer's color was nice and dark which is a delicious reminsces of a stout or porter which is perfect for a cold winter night. I actually had a the pleasure of trying this beer again on draft at Mass Ave Pub in Indianapolis and I can fairly say that the bottle is almost as good as fresh of the tap.
Now of course there are less that 12 days left til Christmas, but then again there are more than 12 Christmas beers out there to try. I highly suggest either trying one on our list or finding a new one and letting me know what you think. Tis the season for giving and sharing so let's share some wonderful reviews about some great beers.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Kathleen
Anchor Brewing - Merry Christmas Happy New Year - 3.3/5
Anchor Brewing - Merry Christmas Happy New Year |
Lakefront seems to have a penchant for making lager instead of ales. This past fall I had one of their Pumpkin Lager beers. It was too light for me in the spice, but their Holiday Spice beer really made up for it. It was complex with the ginger, nutmeg cinnamon spices but had a nice addition with a twinge of citrus.
The nose complimented the flavor as well and the beer's color was nice and dark which is a delicious reminsces of a stout or porter which is perfect for a cold winter night. I actually had a the pleasure of trying this beer again on draft at Mass Ave Pub in Indianapolis and I can fairly say that the bottle is almost as good as fresh of the tap.
Now of course there are less that 12 days left til Christmas, but then again there are more than 12 Christmas beers out there to try. I highly suggest either trying one on our list or finding a new one and letting me know what you think. Tis the season for giving and sharing so let's share some wonderful reviews about some great beers.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Kathleen
2013 Dark Lord Day
My negativity for Three Floyd's was abandoned Saturday, April 27. The combination of the company, the beer, the weather, and the overall atmosphere made this one of the best beer events I have ever attended.
Three Floyd's expanded the festival grounds this year, working with the Town of Munster and their neighbors to essentially double the size of space for attendees. The brewpub was closed, but there were plenty of tables available with food and beer, especially with Dark Lord being poured from the tap for those willing to pay $10 for a 10 ounce cup. Yes, I was one of those people.
Two entrances allowed for traffic to be spread about and the ability of beer buyers to break away from the general admission pack during their allotted time made the flow of patrons work wonderfully. The one drawback was the Dark Lord bottle allotment went from four to three, but price was the same.
The name on the ticket philosophy seemed to have worked, but I will readily admit there was a loophole that was easily exploited. I was the guest of a group A buyer and he was my guest as a group B buyer. I did walk away with six bottles of Dark Lord, but I also sold three for face value for a guest who was unable to attend.
Personally, my friends and I had a great plan and it worked to perfection. We arrived on the scene at 5:00am and was blessed with a relatively close parking spot. We set up our grill and tables and cracked open a Founder's CBS at 5:15 to celebrate the day. At that point, there were already 40-50 people lined up at the north entrance camped out and enjoying their brews.
Our position was right in the pathway for everyone parking at Centennial Park and walking to the festival. Let me tell you, bacon is amazing leverage that early in the morning. We garnered a lot of attention from passersby with our tailgate and we were afforded the opportunity to meet people from across this great country and try beers we would never have the ability to buy.
Aside from the much loved April 27 sunburn, one sorry sap of a soul that maliciously stole our 2013 Barrel Aged Vanilla Bean Dark Lord, and some choice words from the love of my life about dedicating 16 hours of my weekend for beer, Dark Lord Day 2013 has made me look forward to Dark Lord Day 2014.
In Anticipation of Dark Lord Day
Tomorrow is the big day. The weather forecast currently is looking infinitely better than the rain and cold that plagued last year's event. Three Floyd's has published some more up to date information on darklordday.com.
This is all good and well, but the information provided really does not lend any further insight to those who may be new to the event and even seasoned veterans. I even asked a lawyer to review the post and decipher the meaning behind the words but he also was dumbfounded.
Do not cross railroad tracks except at a designated crossing. This is always sound advice and FFF throws it out there from the start. I believe this is the result of patrons parking in the residential area behind the brewery and just climbing up and over the embankment. A nice warning, but one that may go unnoticed.
The festival grounds are not well defined. FFF tells patrons the way to line up and enter, but not conveying where the gates will be other than with directional language (for example, line up at the north, the line for sales is on the west, etc.). If you are unfamiliar with the area it would be worthwhile to use your favorite GPS mapping program and review your compass use.
Parking is also up in the air. Centennial Park across Calumet Avenue made $3,700 last year with patrons parking their cars and hiking over. Always a viable option. My understanding from the help of beeradvocate.com discussion threads is that FFF will have Indiana Ave completely closed off. Not sure if that's true, but until I have my scout finish his drive-by I will keep this as purely speculative.
Finally, congratulations to Mike Cate who scored himself the 15 year anniversary Three Floyd's Baller Stout with this submitted story:
Craziest thing I ever did for a beer? Not sure if I would define it as crazy but it was definitely unlikely...
I'm a big St.Louis Cardinals fan and love going to Milwaukee a few times a year to catch Cards/Brewers games. The fans up there are a blast to be around. Truly professional drinkers. And what makes it even better is that they're drinking delicious New Glarus, Lakefront and Central Waters beers. Can't beat that! Anyways. I went to Brewers Opening Day last year against the Cards and befriended several people in my row. Shot the shit about beer, homebrewing and baseball. I was living the life.
Turns out this old man who can barely get around is a huuuuge beer fan. As in he goes to all the big beer festivals across the county (Hunaphu Day in Tampa, KBS release, GABF, etc..). We got to talking about Dark Lord and he said that's the one he's never had (tickets selling out so quickly and all). I told him I go virtually every year and could help him out next time I'm up. He liked the sound of that.
To make a long story short, his son called me a few months back out of the blue and said his dad wanted me to go ice fishing with the 2 of them. I guess his dad wasn't doing real good and held trying a Dark Lord pretty high on his bucket list. So after a few days of trying to explain to my wife the unlikely scenario of driving up to Wisconsin to go ice fishing with an old man and his son whom I met 9 months before (and only hung out with for the duration of a 6-0 Brewers victory), I went up and had a blast. I went ahead and brought all the vintages of Dark Lord I had, shared some beers, caught some fish and had a good time.
I didn't leave empty-handed either. The old man gave me several vintages of Surly Darkness which I've always wanted to try (but the trading pricetag is always too unreasonable) as well as a Goose Island King Henry.
This is all good and well, but the information provided really does not lend any further insight to those who may be new to the event and even seasoned veterans. I even asked a lawyer to review the post and decipher the meaning behind the words but he also was dumbfounded.
Do not cross railroad tracks except at a designated crossing. This is always sound advice and FFF throws it out there from the start. I believe this is the result of patrons parking in the residential area behind the brewery and just climbing up and over the embankment. A nice warning, but one that may go unnoticed.
The festival grounds are not well defined. FFF tells patrons the way to line up and enter, but not conveying where the gates will be other than with directional language (for example, line up at the north, the line for sales is on the west, etc.). If you are unfamiliar with the area it would be worthwhile to use your favorite GPS mapping program and review your compass use.
Parking is also up in the air. Centennial Park across Calumet Avenue made $3,700 last year with patrons parking their cars and hiking over. Always a viable option. My understanding from the help of beeradvocate.com discussion threads is that FFF will have Indiana Ave completely closed off. Not sure if that's true, but until I have my scout finish his drive-by I will keep this as purely speculative.
Finally, congratulations to Mike Cate who scored himself the 15 year anniversary Three Floyd's Baller Stout with this submitted story:
Craziest thing I ever did for a beer? Not sure if I would define it as crazy but it was definitely unlikely...
I'm a big St.Louis Cardinals fan and love going to Milwaukee a few times a year to catch Cards/Brewers games. The fans up there are a blast to be around. Truly professional drinkers. And what makes it even better is that they're drinking delicious New Glarus, Lakefront and Central Waters beers. Can't beat that! Anyways. I went to Brewers Opening Day last year against the Cards and befriended several people in my row. Shot the shit about beer, homebrewing and baseball. I was living the life.
Turns out this old man who can barely get around is a huuuuge beer fan. As in he goes to all the big beer festivals across the county (Hunaphu Day in Tampa, KBS release, GABF, etc..). We got to talking about Dark Lord and he said that's the one he's never had (tickets selling out so quickly and all). I told him I go virtually every year and could help him out next time I'm up. He liked the sound of that.
To make a long story short, his son called me a few months back out of the blue and said his dad wanted me to go ice fishing with the 2 of them. I guess his dad wasn't doing real good and held trying a Dark Lord pretty high on his bucket list. So after a few days of trying to explain to my wife the unlikely scenario of driving up to Wisconsin to go ice fishing with an old man and his son whom I met 9 months before (and only hung out with for the duration of a 6-0 Brewers victory), I went up and had a blast. I went ahead and brought all the vintages of Dark Lord I had, shared some beers, caught some fish and had a good time.
I didn't leave empty-handed either. The old man gave me several vintages of Surly Darkness which I've always wanted to try (but the trading pricetag is always too unreasonable) as well as a Goose Island King Henry.
Another Dark Lord Day?
Oh yeah, I volunteered for it. I didn't volunteer, I set up my laptop right next to my desktop and loaded the ticket site for Dark Lord Day on both at approximately 11:45am Central Daylight Time. I frantically hit refresh on both as the minutes approached: 11:56, refresh; 11:57, refresh; 11:59, refresh. 12:00, here we go!
The Facebook brigade was in full force today. First, Three Floyd's didn't post the ticket sales link in their status until 11:57am. Honestly, if you were on Facebook waiting for that to appear you were not going to secure tickets. The bevy of comments that ensued spanned from, "I got mine" to "FTS!" But this is what Three Floyd's does, this is what it has been doing as of late.
At 12:49pm the Facebook status indicated tickets finally sold out. Of course, after I secured a pair on the laptop I tried for a pair on the desktop and not a single group had a ticket available. This was at 12:03pm. Server problems? Sure. However, if you didn't time that refresh just right, you were screwed.
The ticket sales medium that Three Floyd's has chosen does have issues, but I can't think of a fairer process, especially now that they are trying to affix the purchaser's name to the ticket and will be checking identifications at the door. But the major flaw in this year's ticket sales was the missing Group A.
Upon entering the screen to buy tickets, any chance at selecting Group A was gone. I know there are people who bought these tickets online, but the option was never presented to me. I really didn't think of it at the time because the brewery does a very good job treating their ownership and VIPs so I just assumed that these tickets were reserved for them.
The ticket distribution system is set up like you're going to see a concert. I complain a lot about Three Floyd's, but in this regard there is no suitable alternative. If you insulate yourself and just sell tickets to the local patrons you isolate your brand and it might not have become the global phenomenon that it is. But if you open the availability to the masses, the surest way is selling the tickets like any band performing in concert. Here's your chance, good luck! So you've been to 9 DLDs in a row but now your screwed. Get over yourself. Heaven forbid you share in your good fortune for nine years and let someone else try a beer that is one of the best in the country.
The one downfall is admittance onto the grounds. Although I was lucky to get Group B tickets, I know I will be resting on the pavement in the early A.M. that morning because getting into the brewpub is half the battle. All ticket holders are welcome at 10am, regardless of group. Last year I had Group A and by the time we made it into the festivities and in line to purchase the beer, we had a half hour left in our buying window. So this year, more of the same.
I am a seasoned veteran by now and am prepared for all Dark Lord Day entails. My friends secured their tickets with little hassle as well so it should make for a good post in the future. I promise I'll try to be more positive this time around.
If you are reading this, please leave a comment. I want to know the most outrageous thing you've done for a beer (could be dollars spent, distance traveled, etc.). You must leave a comment with your full first and last name with a valid email address. The week before DLD (April 21st) I will consult with IndianaBeer staff and we will pick a winner. The winner will receive their choice of Baller Stout, 2012 Dark Lord, or 2013 Dark Lord. I know they might not be the rarest beers, but they are the ones I have at my disposal.
The Facebook brigade was in full force today. First, Three Floyd's didn't post the ticket sales link in their status until 11:57am. Honestly, if you were on Facebook waiting for that to appear you were not going to secure tickets. The bevy of comments that ensued spanned from, "I got mine" to "FTS!" But this is what Three Floyd's does, this is what it has been doing as of late.
At 12:49pm the Facebook status indicated tickets finally sold out. Of course, after I secured a pair on the laptop I tried for a pair on the desktop and not a single group had a ticket available. This was at 12:03pm. Server problems? Sure. However, if you didn't time that refresh just right, you were screwed.
The ticket sales medium that Three Floyd's has chosen does have issues, but I can't think of a fairer process, especially now that they are trying to affix the purchaser's name to the ticket and will be checking identifications at the door. But the major flaw in this year's ticket sales was the missing Group A.
Upon entering the screen to buy tickets, any chance at selecting Group A was gone. I know there are people who bought these tickets online, but the option was never presented to me. I really didn't think of it at the time because the brewery does a very good job treating their ownership and VIPs so I just assumed that these tickets were reserved for them.
The ticket distribution system is set up like you're going to see a concert. I complain a lot about Three Floyd's, but in this regard there is no suitable alternative. If you insulate yourself and just sell tickets to the local patrons you isolate your brand and it might not have become the global phenomenon that it is. But if you open the availability to the masses, the surest way is selling the tickets like any band performing in concert. Here's your chance, good luck! So you've been to 9 DLDs in a row but now your screwed. Get over yourself. Heaven forbid you share in your good fortune for nine years and let someone else try a beer that is one of the best in the country.
The one downfall is admittance onto the grounds. Although I was lucky to get Group B tickets, I know I will be resting on the pavement in the early A.M. that morning because getting into the brewpub is half the battle. All ticket holders are welcome at 10am, regardless of group. Last year I had Group A and by the time we made it into the festivities and in line to purchase the beer, we had a half hour left in our buying window. So this year, more of the same.
I am a seasoned veteran by now and am prepared for all Dark Lord Day entails. My friends secured their tickets with little hassle as well so it should make for a good post in the future. I promise I'll try to be more positive this time around.
If you are reading this, please leave a comment. I want to know the most outrageous thing you've done for a beer (could be dollars spent, distance traveled, etc.). You must leave a comment with your full first and last name with a valid email address. The week before DLD (April 21st) I will consult with IndianaBeer staff and we will pick a winner. The winner will receive their choice of Baller Stout, 2012 Dark Lord, or 2013 Dark Lord. I know they might not be the rarest beers, but they are the ones I have at my disposal.
Why you should consider (or reconsider) going to Dark Lord Day 2013

This year Three Floyds have made a lot of changes to their annual event marking the release of their famed Russian Imperial Stout Dark Lord. I have not been able to make it to one of these events yet, mostly due to the demand for tickets being astronomical the past few years. The tickets are released on St. Patrick’s day every year online. This year they go on sale at 1 pm EST (12 pm CST) Sunday March 17th. However its the changes to the tickets that are going to, in my opinion, improve the festival. There is a limit of 2 tickets per transaction online, however the most important part is the fact that the tickets will be printed with the name of the purchaser. It will be, and has been for the last few years at least, against the rules of the event to resell or trade the tickets. However this hasn’t stopped many people in the past from selling the, previously $15, for upwards of $100. On the Dark Lord website Three Floyds has specifically said that anyone with a ticket must have a valid government issued ID that corresponds to the name on the ticket to be granted access to the event. Also Three Floyds has increased the number of sales sessions from 3 last year to 5 this year. I am certainly going to attempt to get tickets this Sunday, and good luck to all you out there who are going to try to get some too. Below I’ve listed some of the rules from the Dark Lord website.

This year Three Floyds have made a lot of changes to their annual event marking the release of their famed Russian Imperial Stout Dark Lord. I have not been able to make it to one of these events yet, mostly due to the demand for tickets being astronomical the past few years. The tickets are released on St. Patrick’s day every year online. This year they go on sale at 1 pm EST (12 pm CST) Sunday March 17th. However its the changes to the tickets that are going to, in my opinion, improve the festival. There is a limit of 2 tickets per transaction online, however the most important part is the fact that the tickets will be printed with the name of the purchaser. It will be, and has been for the last few years at least, against the rules of the event to resell or trade the tickets. However this hasn’t stopped many people in the past from selling the, previously $15, for upwards of $100. On the Dark Lord website Three Floyds has specifically said that anyone with a ticket must have a valid government issued ID that corresponds to the name on the ticket to be granted access to the event. Also Three Floyds has increased the number of sales sessions from 3 last year to 5 this year. I am certainly going to attempt to get tickets this Sunday, and good luck to all you out there who are going to try to get some too. Below I’ve listed some of the rules from the Dark Lord website.
- Tickets are non-transferable (no resale or trading)
- Valid state or federal ID or valid passport of the original purchaser of the tickets required
- No children or pets (strictly 21 and over)
- No coolers (although beer trading/sampling is allowed)
- Tickets are $30 per ticket (limit of 2 tickets per person)
- The event is cash only (there is an ATM on site)
- There will be food vendors, as well as live music
- Dark Lord day is April 27th from 11am - 11pm EST (10am -10pm CST)
- Group A 11am - 1pm EST (10am - 12pm CST)
- Group B 1pm - 3pm EST (12pm - 2pm CST)
- Group C 3pm - 5pm EST (2pm - 4pm CST)
- Group D 5pm - 7pm EST (4pm - 6pm CST)
- Group E 7pm - 9pm EST (6pm – 8pm CST)
Worst Episode Ever - Revisited
I can't say something nice about Three Floyd's without also panning them an instant later. About a year ago I made the effort to buy tickets to their 15 year anniversary celebration and was less than pleased about the experience. However, I did walk away with a very limited Baller Stout, a blend of Three Floyd's Dark Lord, Surly Darkness, De Struise Black Albert, and Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch, the beer to end all beers. Ok, maybe not.
If you feel like revisiting that day, you can find the exploits in the way back machine of this blog. The reason I bring it up today is because Three Floyd's is doing a second brewpub release of Baller Stout. Near the Munster, IN area? Walk into the brewery and pick one up.
If you feel like revisiting that day, you can find the exploits in the way back machine of this blog. The reason I bring it up today is because Three Floyd's is doing a second brewpub release of Baller Stout. Near the Munster, IN area? Walk into the brewery and pick one up.
Mutiny and the Mollusk
Mutiny and the Mollusk, the collaboration between Half Acre and Three Floyd's was my pick for International Stout Day. The reasoning of course, is that it is a rare breed and it happens to be an oyster stout. Now, my beer acumen is not nearly at the level of say a Nathan Compton or a Bob Ostrander, so I actually had to Google the term oyster stout to see what it was all about.
Don't let the name fool you, there may or may not have been oysters used in the brewing of this beer. I say this because I am hard pressed to find any information about the ingredients, what the brewers intended for it to taste like, or why they decided it would be a good idea. Oyster stouts are by design, stouts to be consumed while eating oysters. You'd think I would have done this research before drinking the beer. Alas, I had no food as a companion to my ale and had to taste the beer on its own merits.
The beer, as suspected, was very good. Rich, dark, and dare I say powerful, this stout slams you down with its coffee laden flavor if served chilled. As the room temperature catches up, the stout mellows and isn't nearly as bitter (bitter as far as a black coffee is concerned).
I have to commend Three Floyd's on this one. They simply announced the collaboration and released it at the brewpub so that their adoring public could line up to buy a bottle or two. Nothing particularly flashy and definitely not the hop heavy flavor most of their beers are notorious for, which may be the influence of Half Acre. I must admit, I've never had a beer from Half Acre, which is a shame because they are so gleefully close to my home.
Mutiny and the Mollusk was released in March. I don't really know why I let it age for so long, maybe just wasn't in the stout mood at the time. I do have another bottle, so maybe I'll actually get oysters for that one.
What Kathleen Has Been Drinking These Days.
The first thing that people say to me when I say that I'm a beer blogger is "You must drink a lot of beer". Yes and no. I'm selective about the beer I drink. However, in some aspects, I do drink a lot of beer.
So, what have I been drinking lately? Let's see!
1. DigIN
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Chillin' with a pint of Pooka! |
This year the following breweries were represented at DigIN:
Sun King
3 Floyds Brewing
New Albanian
Barley Island
Upland Brewing
Brugge Brasserie
Black Swan
Flat12 Bierwerks
Crown Brewing
Mad Anthony
Beer Highlights were Flat 12 debuting their pumpkin ale: Flat Jack which btw will be in bottles this fall. Also of course had Brugge's Pooka. Black Swan had a Belgian Dark, Sun King came with Osiris and Sunlight and stopped by New Albanian to try their Black and Blue Grass saison which with having the black pepper spice and the blue agave, I'd rather have a more sweeter saison.
If you are wondering why I didn't have all - I blame all the delicious food at DigIN. I didn't make it past two tents before I was stuffed!
2. Thr3e Wise Men - Antonius 1742 Oktoberfest
I've said it many times, but I really do like hitting up Thr3e Wise Men for their tapping parties. It is well made, dependable beer. Even though this time of year I'd rather have a Pumpkin Ale than an Oktoberfest, I still appreciated this malt style and the clean drinkability of Thr3e Wise Men's Oktoberfest. I also enjoyed a pint of their @Brewhouse Brown which appears to be a new house beer and is a 2nd place Brewer's Cup winner.
It is nice that the brewery has grown to produce more beer, if you didn't know Thr3e Wise Men select beer styles are available in Scotty's Brewhouse throughout town. It makes it even better to go to Thr3e Wise Men and your only options are house beers. I like a good session beer, but I also like variety. Currently they have 8 different beers available on their board.
3. At home!
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No Intros Needed |
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale and Founder's Breakfast Stout.
I learned last year especially with my pumpkin expeditions that Schlafly was amazing. I need to still try some pumpkin ales - like Southern Tier's PumKing!
Speaking of pumpkin - I never really did a blog on the beer blogger's conference (Ironic, I know), but there was some delicious beer there! (of course) Samuel Adams is currently doing a "Small Batch Series" of beer. This gives the Boston Beer company a chance to bring out some specialty beers such as Fat Jack, which I would say rivals Schlafly in their pumpkin spice. As a side-note - Also try Samuel Adams - Thirteenth Hour. I think Nathan & Greg would agree this one is worth it. (It is a dark Belgian stout with a multitude of flavors such as coffee, chocolate, rum, dark fruits all from its 7 different malts... I could go on and on but this is a different topic :) )
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Fancy Glass - Schlafly Pumpkin Ale |
Also tonight I'll be at The Sinking Ship for the Bell's Brewery Tap Takeover - Going to try Kalamazoo Hopsoulution Ale
In a few weeks, off to Beer Sellar in Castleton for Schlafly Night with Tom Schlafly! - and of course pumpkin ale.
Hope to see you out and about! I've been running into a few readers here and there. Of course you can follow my beer escapades at twitter.com/@KJLSlauzis
Until next time!
- Kathleen
A Tale of Two Beer Releases
So it has been over two months since Dark Lord Day 2012 and neither Indianabeer.com reporter present at the festivities has anything to say about it yet. Maybe it is the fear of the Three Floyd's torch bearers amassing an angry mob and setting out to destroy any human being on the planet who mouths a bad word about the assumed god of beer; maybe it has taken this long to shake the hangover of the festivities as it is a marathon of drinking; or maybe, just maybe, there was not anything really worth writing about it.
Rather than relay the tales of my adventure, I thought it would be better to lend more of a perspective on the run up to the release of Dark Lord in comparison to the release of another Three Floyd's beer. This is not a criticism or critique of the brewery, but an observation that I find rather interesting that made the topic click in my head today.
On January 10, 2012, Three Floyd's offered a blog post simply offering the public the following information, "We're working on Dark Lord Day details." This post on their Dark Lord Day website elicited 19 comments from readers. I'm not sure an Indianabeer post has ever received that many (but I'm fairly new here so I'm sure I could be wrong). The aura of Dark Lord is so powerful that radio silence was freaking out people because they hadn't heard information about an event more than three months away.
On February 13, 2012, www.darklordday.com finally informed the public that the date was set for Dark Lord Day and 59 comments followed. So we were about two and a half months from the event and some ground rules were offered for those who would be fortunate enough to attend. March 8 announced ticket sales for St. Patrick's Day, March 18 announced some brewery ticket sales, March 26 was the band announcement, and April 26 were final ground rules.
This is a beer that has been dubbed by more than one prominent person the best beer in the United States and/or world, so there would be a certain level of pomp and circumstance surrounding its release. The interesting fact is that this beer is released every year at the same time of year and people have gone to this event every year of its existence. The odds of procuring a Dark Lord are fairly good. Even though secondary ticket sales were ridiculously priced and the amount of Dark Lord that flooded eBay and craigslist immediately after the event (and in some cases before the event) were gouging those unable to attend, it is not out of the realm of possibility of obtaining this beer. Even if you attended Dark Lord Day you were given an allotment of four bottles and could even walk away with a barrel aged specialty beer.
Let's juxtapose this beer release with another Three Floyd's release today: Battle Priest.
"The first all Brett beer from 3 Floyd's, named Battle Priest, which has been fermented in Pinot Noir barrels is available in 750 mL bottles for purchase today. Limited release today with one bottle per person allotment."
Dark Lord is a known quantity, Battle Priest is an experiment, a rarity unlike any other, the first release of a beer that may or may not get famous. This matters not, as Three Floyd's has already established itself as a brewery that excels in providing beer that is decidedly, "not normal." Even if you were a fan of brett beers you would have to expect this wouldn't taste anything like them. And if you didn't like brett beers you would have to expect this wouldn't taste anything like them.
Battle Priest's release was announced over social media at 2:00pm CDT. By 4:00pm CDT it was sold out. The rumor is that the amount produced was 480 bottles (or the amount set for release today). Sight unseen, taste untouched to the tongue, this beer sold out in two hours at the brewery itself to 480 different people. Can any other brewery pull that off?
I was at work, unable to get close to the brewery and my local guy was out of town and couldn't snag a bottle for me. With such a rare gem, and with Three Floyd's beer notoriously present on the secondary market, I went to eBay and craigslist to find the fetching price. Nothing. I got nothing.
Dark Lord is a phenomenon that has grown rapidly and its release takes an enormous amount of effort on the part of the brewery and creates a buzz outside of the beer community that puts Northwest Indiana on the map and brings renowned brewers and chefs into Munster, IN to see a little warehouse tucked in an industrial park that produces wonderful beer. However, it seems that the cult following of this beer will force any new beer that Three Floyd's could possibly develop into the hands of only an inner circle of people who follow their every move and flock to the brewery every time there is a hint of anything brewing (pun intended). My hope is that Battle Priest is a successful brett so that more people will get to enjoy it. My fear is that people gobble up Three Floyd's beer just because of who makes it and refuses to share it with anyone they deem unworthy.
Rather than relay the tales of my adventure, I thought it would be better to lend more of a perspective on the run up to the release of Dark Lord in comparison to the release of another Three Floyd's beer. This is not a criticism or critique of the brewery, but an observation that I find rather interesting that made the topic click in my head today.
On January 10, 2012, Three Floyd's offered a blog post simply offering the public the following information, "We're working on Dark Lord Day details." This post on their Dark Lord Day website elicited 19 comments from readers. I'm not sure an Indianabeer post has ever received that many (but I'm fairly new here so I'm sure I could be wrong). The aura of Dark Lord is so powerful that radio silence was freaking out people because they hadn't heard information about an event more than three months away.
On February 13, 2012, www.darklordday.com finally informed the public that the date was set for Dark Lord Day and 59 comments followed. So we were about two and a half months from the event and some ground rules were offered for those who would be fortunate enough to attend. March 8 announced ticket sales for St. Patrick's Day, March 18 announced some brewery ticket sales, March 26 was the band announcement, and April 26 were final ground rules.
This is a beer that has been dubbed by more than one prominent person the best beer in the United States and/or world, so there would be a certain level of pomp and circumstance surrounding its release. The interesting fact is that this beer is released every year at the same time of year and people have gone to this event every year of its existence. The odds of procuring a Dark Lord are fairly good. Even though secondary ticket sales were ridiculously priced and the amount of Dark Lord that flooded eBay and craigslist immediately after the event (and in some cases before the event) were gouging those unable to attend, it is not out of the realm of possibility of obtaining this beer. Even if you attended Dark Lord Day you were given an allotment of four bottles and could even walk away with a barrel aged specialty beer.
Let's juxtapose this beer release with another Three Floyd's release today: Battle Priest.
"The first all Brett beer from 3 Floyd's, named Battle Priest, which has been fermented in Pinot Noir barrels is available in 750 mL bottles for purchase today. Limited release today with one bottle per person allotment."
Dark Lord is a known quantity, Battle Priest is an experiment, a rarity unlike any other, the first release of a beer that may or may not get famous. This matters not, as Three Floyd's has already established itself as a brewery that excels in providing beer that is decidedly, "not normal." Even if you were a fan of brett beers you would have to expect this wouldn't taste anything like them. And if you didn't like brett beers you would have to expect this wouldn't taste anything like them.
Battle Priest's release was announced over social media at 2:00pm CDT. By 4:00pm CDT it was sold out. The rumor is that the amount produced was 480 bottles (or the amount set for release today). Sight unseen, taste untouched to the tongue, this beer sold out in two hours at the brewery itself to 480 different people. Can any other brewery pull that off?
I was at work, unable to get close to the brewery and my local guy was out of town and couldn't snag a bottle for me. With such a rare gem, and with Three Floyd's beer notoriously present on the secondary market, I went to eBay and craigslist to find the fetching price. Nothing. I got nothing.
Dark Lord is a phenomenon that has grown rapidly and its release takes an enormous amount of effort on the part of the brewery and creates a buzz outside of the beer community that puts Northwest Indiana on the map and brings renowned brewers and chefs into Munster, IN to see a little warehouse tucked in an industrial park that produces wonderful beer. However, it seems that the cult following of this beer will force any new beer that Three Floyd's could possibly develop into the hands of only an inner circle of people who follow their every move and flock to the brewery every time there is a hint of anything brewing (pun intended). My hope is that Battle Priest is a successful brett so that more people will get to enjoy it. My fear is that people gobble up Three Floyd's beer just because of who makes it and refuses to share it with anyone they deem unworthy.
Misc. - North West Indiana
Every beer lover would envy a trip to a mecca, Three Floyds Brewery in Munster, IN. We were lucky enough to enjoy great beer plus meet the senior Floyd on a recent trip. Imagine a spot in an industrial park that is packed on a Friday night, serves great food, and most of us go for some over-the-top often only available there beer.
Got to try the de Muerte, or death, barrel aged chili pepper beer with roasted malt and lingering spice burn from the chiles. Looking for beers we can't get everywhere tried the Pride and Joy, a 5% smooth American mild that was delicious. How many places can you go that has their own great beers on tap plus Rochefort 10 & 8 in bottles!
Michael Floyd, elder of the three, physician, and great guy told us a cute story. Son Nick was looking for a brewery location. Nick found one and called his M.D. dad who was pumping gas at the time and also talking on the phone to a nurse. The nurse was describing a medical situation and making a procedural recommendation while Nick was on another line talking about the brewing location. Michael answered to the nurse, "yes, we should do that," Nick heard the words, and it seems the brewery was born! Whether we heard the story exactly right or not, it is clear the Floyds have great spirit to go with their super beer.
When making the trip stop at Crown Point to visit the Crown Point Brewery! Award winning Brewer Steve Mazylewski brews a very tasty malty brown and, while appealing to the "light" crowd, brews a Crown Light in a German Helles style -- so very crisp, clean, but with flavor. His IPA at 6.7% ABV dry-hopped for flavor is unfiltered and a beer-geek's delight! Only 17 miles from 3-Floyds and just 3 minutes from I-65 from the Crown Point exit (go into town and look left for the old smoke stack) this brewery is a must visit.
Thanks to Crown for hosting the Pro-Am Crown challenge beer competition that was a delight ... go here for winners http://crownbrewing.com/CrownChallenge.html
Got to try the de Muerte, or death, barrel aged chili pepper beer with roasted malt and lingering spice burn from the chiles. Looking for beers we can't get everywhere tried the Pride and Joy, a 5% smooth American mild that was delicious. How many places can you go that has their own great beers on tap plus Rochefort 10 & 8 in bottles!
Michael Floyd, elder of the three, physician, and great guy told us a cute story. Son Nick was looking for a brewery location. Nick found one and called his M.D. dad who was pumping gas at the time and also talking on the phone to a nurse. The nurse was describing a medical situation and making a procedural recommendation while Nick was on another line talking about the brewing location. Michael answered to the nurse, "yes, we should do that," Nick heard the words, and it seems the brewery was born! Whether we heard the story exactly right or not, it is clear the Floyds have great spirit to go with their super beer.
When making the trip stop at Crown Point to visit the Crown Point Brewery! Award winning Brewer Steve Mazylewski brews a very tasty malty brown and, while appealing to the "light" crowd, brews a Crown Light in a German Helles style -- so very crisp, clean, but with flavor. His IPA at 6.7% ABV dry-hopped for flavor is unfiltered and a beer-geek's delight! Only 17 miles from 3-Floyds and just 3 minutes from I-65 from the Crown Point exit (go into town and look left for the old smoke stack) this brewery is a must visit.
Thanks to Crown for hosting the Pro-Am Crown challenge beer competition that was a delight ... go here for winners http://crownbrewing.com/CrownChallenge.html
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